What are the consequences of ignoring interface accessibility standards?

1 Legal risks

One of the most serious consequences of ignoring interface accessibility standards is the potential legal liability that web developers and their clients may face. In many countries and regions, such as the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Australia, there are laws and regulations that require web accessibility for certain types of websites, such as those of public entities, educational institutions, or commercial services. Failing to comply with these laws and regulations can expose web developers and their clients to lawsuits, fines, or other sanctions. For example, in 2019, the US Supreme Court denied a petition from Domino's Pizza to review a case brought by a blind customer who claimed that the company's website and mobile app violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

3 Competitive disadvantage

A third consequence of ignoring interface accessibility standards is the loss of competitive advantage in the web market. Web developers who do not adhere to accessibility standards may miss out on opportunities to reach a wider and more diverse audience, especially as the number and proportion of people with disabilities or accessibility needs increase with the aging population and the prevalence of mobile devices. They may also fail to leverage the benefits of accessibility for improving the overall quality, performance, and usability of their web products, such as faster loading times, better search engine optimization, or lower maintenance costs. For example, a report by The Big Hack found that inaccessible websites cost UK businesses £17.1 billion in lost revenue in 2019.

4 Ethical issues

A fourth consequence of ignoring interface accessibility standards is the violation of ethical principles and values that web developers should uphold. Web developers have a social responsibility to create web products that are inclusive, fair, and respectful of human rights and dignity. They should also adhere to professional codes of conduct and standards that promote accessibility as a core aspect of web development. Ignoring accessibility standards can undermine the trust and confidence that web users and clients have in web developers, and compromise their integrity and reputation. For example, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct states that computing professionals should "ensure that the public good is the central concern during all professional computing work" and "avoid creating systems or technologies that disenfranchise or oppress people".

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?